Call me a geek, but this movie of Saturn's rings is awesome*.
From the intro page: "Image scale is 48 kilometers (30 miles) per pixel."
Per PIXEL. Think about that.
*I'm not even sure awesome is the right word, but it's all my tired brain can come up with right now.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
My Own Web Domain
Some of you might remember the original homepage for my amysbookshelf.com website. It had a wonderful graphic of books on a bookshelf that D spent many hours creating and fiddling with.
The original intent was that each book would be clickable and lead to a page of {supposedly} interesting stuff. I was also going to use my website as a portal for my home research business – hey, this was back before Google convinced everyone they could find everything themselves in .06 seconds.
But with the plethora of free options like Blogger, Flickr, and wikis, I’ve begun to wonder if I really need my own domain that I’m not using. On the one hand, it’s approx. $100/year for something I might want some day. On the other hand, it’s approx. $100/year for something I haven’t used in a long time.
Opinions, anyone?
Thursday, April 05, 2007
The Demon Murphy
If your flight is on time, the gate for your connecting flight will be nearby.
If your flight is delayed, your connecting flight will be four concourses away, at the very last gate. And, of course, it goes without saying that even if you are able to sprint fast enough to board that second flight, there’s no way your luggage is going to make it....
If your flight is delayed, your connecting flight will be four concourses away, at the very last gate. And, of course, it goes without saying that even if you are able to sprint fast enough to board that second flight, there’s no way your luggage is going to make it....
Friday, March 16, 2007
iPod Dilemma
Why would I get an 8GB iPod nano for $249 when I can get a 30GB iPod for the same price?
The nano plays only music and holds only up to 2,000 songs, while the regular also plays videos and holds up to 7,500 songs.
I keep looking at the specs list, sure I must be mis-reading numbers.
Is there some other consideration that I should be aware of? Some catch that I'm missing?
The nano plays only music and holds only up to 2,000 songs, while the regular also plays videos and holds up to 7,500 songs.
I keep looking at the specs list, sure I must be mis-reading numbers.
Is there some other consideration that I should be aware of? Some catch that I'm missing?
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Row, Girl, Row
I finally got a rowing machine. Yippee!!!
Some of you know that this has been quite the impossible quest. I knew exactly which model I wanted, but the company (FitnessQuest) wanted to send it UPS 2nd day, which would mean that the shipping would cost almost as much as the machine. This was not an option, as I am a girl on a budget, so I started researching alternative methods of delivery.
Five months and many frustrations later, I was able to just order it from Amazon.com.
Yeah, I don't believe it was that easy either. When I checked several months ago, Amazon wouldn't ship a rowing machine to
But they must have changed their policies, because I placed the order mid-February and it was delivered on March 1.
There was still the potential for disaster, as my address is a RR box, which UPS can’t deliver to. However, I experienced FANTASTIC customer service from both Amazon and UPS and it arrived at my front door without a hitch.
I put it together on Friday and have used it 6 times so far (and it hasn't fallen apart yet). I'm starting with at least 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night, plus one or two additional sessions on non-work days. But I have it set up in front of the TV, so if I happen to be watching a movie and end up rowing for longer, so be it.
I am hoping that not only will this enable me to get fit, but that I’ll also stop getting sick as much (every other month lately). Already my arms ache a little after about 10 minutes (although they feel fine shortly after I stop) and I think I can actually feel a little tightness in my abs. But that might just be wishful thinking….
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sick, Again
I've managed to catch another cold. At least now I know it's not being on Oahu that makes me sick...
All I drink when I'm sick is orange juice. This time, I decided to try some zinc lozenges. I was a little perturbed to find that I couldn't drink any citrus 1/2 hour before or after sucking on one of the lozenges, but decided that it was still worth a try -- mostly because I had already bought them.
Several colleagues asked what I was taking for my cold, and then each proceeded to offer advice. Unfortunately, it turned out to be mutually contradictory advice:
1. You need both the orange juice and the zinc. And be sure to get plenty of rest.
2. You don't need the zinc lozenges. Orange juice has all the zinc you need. And be sure to get plenty of rest.
3. You don't need the orange juice. The zinc will do more than the vitamin C. And be sure to get plenty of rest.
I'm quite dizzy now, so I think I'll go curl up under the covers...
All I drink when I'm sick is orange juice. This time, I decided to try some zinc lozenges. I was a little perturbed to find that I couldn't drink any citrus 1/2 hour before or after sucking on one of the lozenges, but decided that it was still worth a try -- mostly because I had already bought them.
Several colleagues asked what I was taking for my cold, and then each proceeded to offer advice. Unfortunately, it turned out to be mutually contradictory advice:
1. You need both the orange juice and the zinc. And be sure to get plenty of rest.
2. You don't need the zinc lozenges. Orange juice has all the zinc you need. And be sure to get plenty of rest.
3. You don't need the orange juice. The zinc will do more than the vitamin C. And be sure to get plenty of rest.
I'm quite dizzy now, so I think I'll go curl up under the covers...
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Three Breathless Minutes
Five years of frustration, planning, paperwork, and waiting came to an end on Friday morning.
The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources Board voted to approve Mom's permit application.
Translation: Mom finally has the official okay for her house.
:) :) :) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! :) :) :)
Let the building begin!
Speaking of building, we've decided that I'm going to help. I have no actual building or carpentry skills, but as long as someone more knowledgeable says "get that" or "hold this here" I think I'll be useful. Or, to be more precise, Mom thinks I'll be useful.
After that, Mom and I get to go back to Oahu, corral five unwilling cats into carriers for a trip to the vet to be sedated, then onto a helicopter for the ride to their new home.
Stressful? What makes you think it's going to be stressful?
Pray for us...
The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources Board voted to approve Mom's permit application.
Translation: Mom finally has the official okay for her house.
:) :) :) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! :) :) :)
Let the building begin!
Speaking of building, we've decided that I'm going to help. I have no actual building or carpentry skills, but as long as someone more knowledgeable says "get that" or "hold this here" I think I'll be useful. Or, to be more precise, Mom thinks I'll be useful.
After that, Mom and I get to go back to Oahu, corral five unwilling cats into carriers for a trip to the vet to be sedated, then onto a helicopter for the ride to their new home.
Stressful? What makes you think it's going to be stressful?
Pray for us...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Beautiful Day
This weekend was absolutely gorgeous.
On Friday, there wasn't a single cloud anywhere in the sky. Both mountains, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, were completely visible in all their glory. A little voice told me to grab my camera before I left the house. I wish I had listened.
Saturday and Sunday were also clear and sunny, with just a few fluffy white clouds dotting the beautiful blue expanse. There was a cool, brisk breeze that had me throwing open all the windows and airing out the house.
We have a saying: "Lucky you live Hawaii."
Amen.
On Friday, there wasn't a single cloud anywhere in the sky. Both mountains, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, were completely visible in all their glory. A little voice told me to grab my camera before I left the house. I wish I had listened.
Saturday and Sunday were also clear and sunny, with just a few fluffy white clouds dotting the beautiful blue expanse. There was a cool, brisk breeze that had me throwing open all the windows and airing out the house.
We have a saying: "Lucky you live Hawaii."
Amen.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Kimbooktu
I will not buy anything...
I will not buy anything...
I will not buy anything...
How's your willpower against book-related gadgets?
I will not buy anything...
I will not buy anything...
How's your willpower against book-related gadgets?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte’s Web is a perfect example of how to turn a beloved classic book into a movie. There are a few slight changes, but not enough to quibble over.
Personal quirk time: Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte was mildly distracting (however, Steve Buscemi as Templeton the Rat really worked). Don’t get me wrong – Julia did a fantastic job. I was just never able to forget it was her, unlike Oprah Winfrey and Reba McEntire and Robert Redford, whose voices I didn’t recognize at all (similar to how I don't hear Allison Janney or Geoffrey Rush in Finding Nemo).
I’m sorry I’m not able to explain the voices problem better (but then again, it’s probably just me). The bottom line, though: if Charlotte’s Web is still playing at a theatre near you, go see it; if it's not, grab the DVD when it comes out.
On the other hand, the preview for Bridge to Terabithia gave Mom and me matching looks of horror…
Personal quirk time: Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte was mildly distracting (however, Steve Buscemi as Templeton the Rat really worked). Don’t get me wrong – Julia did a fantastic job. I was just never able to forget it was her, unlike Oprah Winfrey and Reba McEntire and Robert Redford, whose voices I didn’t recognize at all (similar to how I don't hear Allison Janney or Geoffrey Rush in Finding Nemo).
I’m sorry I’m not able to explain the voices problem better (but then again, it’s probably just me). The bottom line, though: if Charlotte’s Web is still playing at a theatre near you, go see it; if it's not, grab the DVD when it comes out.
On the other hand, the preview for Bridge to Terabithia gave Mom and me matching looks of horror…
Jane Addiction
I've recently developed an addiction to Jane Austen, especially Pride and Prejudice. I've watched the A&E version an average of once a week since Thanksgiving (I was sick for the second half of December, so I'm not as much of a sloth as that might otherwise indicate). I switched to the Keira Knightley version a couple times, but I can't stay away from Jennifer and Colin for long.
I just finished reading the book for the first time - yes, I somehow got a Bachelor's degree in English without reading any Jane Austen - and enjoyed it so much that after about a two-week break, I'm starting it again. That addiction thing again.
I also read Sense and Sensibility for the first time, but didn't enjoy it as much (unlike the Emma Thompson movie, which I adore). I found the (I think) perfect editions (even tho' they're from B&N) of Austen's works: they're smaller than mass market, but hardcover, with attached red ribbon bookmarks. If I could just find Mansfield Park, my collection would be complete...
Now that the new semester has started, I think I shall be forced to wean myself from Ms. Austen, as my Literature of the Environment class will be keeping me quite busy. Like most addicts, I shall miss my fix; however, I do believe I have the will power to overcome this...
Unlike my addiction to chocolate...
I just finished reading the book for the first time - yes, I somehow got a Bachelor's degree in English without reading any Jane Austen - and enjoyed it so much that after about a two-week break, I'm starting it again. That addiction thing again.
I also read Sense and Sensibility for the first time, but didn't enjoy it as much (unlike the Emma Thompson movie, which I adore). I found the (I think) perfect editions (even tho' they're from B&N) of Austen's works: they're smaller than mass market, but hardcover, with attached red ribbon bookmarks. If I could just find Mansfield Park, my collection would be complete...
Now that the new semester has started, I think I shall be forced to wean myself from Ms. Austen, as my Literature of the Environment class will be keeping me quite busy. Like most addicts, I shall miss my fix; however, I do believe I have the will power to overcome this...
Unlike my addiction to chocolate...
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Procrastination
I am a procrastinator. I always have been. For the most part, I’ve learned to live with it, although I am trying to plan better and start earlier.
Sometimes my procrastination works out for the best. Running flat out at a deadline often causes the creative juices to flow, resulting in some good work.
But there are other times when it’s a decided disadvantage. One example of this is when it comes to writing letters. I’ve lost touch with some friends over the years due to my slackness in the note-penning department. {Kendra M. is one of these, if anyone knows where she is now.}
So, to C. in Ira, Vermont and S. in Dundee, Florida: there are letters coming. They were going to be inserted into the Christmas cards, but that deadline somehow came and went when I wasn’t looking (I’d mention the cold I’ve been nursing since the 16th, but that would sound like a too-convenient excuse).
Anyway, please know that I have gotten your letters and emails and I’m really going to write to you.
Soon….
Sometimes my procrastination works out for the best. Running flat out at a deadline often causes the creative juices to flow, resulting in some good work.
But there are other times when it’s a decided disadvantage. One example of this is when it comes to writing letters. I’ve lost touch with some friends over the years due to my slackness in the note-penning department. {Kendra M. is one of these, if anyone knows where she is now.}
So, to C. in Ira, Vermont and S. in Dundee, Florida: there are letters coming. They were going to be inserted into the Christmas cards, but that deadline somehow came and went when I wasn’t looking (I’d mention the cold I’ve been nursing since the 16th, but that would sound like a too-convenient excuse).
Anyway, please know that I have gotten your letters and emails and I’m really going to write to you.
Soon….
Sunday, November 26, 2006
MS Thesaurus
Microsoft Word has me scratching my head again.
I wanted a synonym for the word 'information' and since there was a cat on my lap and my thesaurus was on the other side of the room, I decided to see if MS Word had any good suggestions.
Yes, I was balancing the laptop computer on the lap desk and the cat on my lap all at the same time. Obviously, it was Oreo and not either of the boys or there wouldn't have been room. There wasn't really enough room for her, but she was so insistent. And purring....
Anyway, which of these do you think I should use:
in order
in sequence
in turn
in rank
in a row
Huh?!
And here I thought we were living in the Information Age?
I wanted a synonym for the word 'information' and since there was a cat on my lap and my thesaurus was on the other side of the room, I decided to see if MS Word had any good suggestions.
Yes, I was balancing the laptop computer on the lap desk and the cat on my lap all at the same time. Obviously, it was Oreo and not either of the boys or there wouldn't have been room. There wasn't really enough room for her, but she was so insistent. And purring....
Anyway, which of these do you think I should use:
in order
in sequence
in turn
in rank
in a row
Huh?!
And here I thought we were living in the Information Age?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Thanksgiving 2006
The tradition continues...
Things I'm thankful for:
Opportunities
Having others believe in me
Second chances
Answered prayers
True Love
Laughter and smiles
Friends
Family, including my three black shadows
My wonderful house and shiny car
Chocolate
Disney
Books, Music, Movies
I hope you and yours have a fantastic week.
Things I'm thankful for:
Opportunities
Having others believe in me
Second chances
Answered prayers
True Love
Laughter and smiles
Friends
Family, including my three black shadows
My wonderful house and shiny car
Chocolate
Disney
Books, Music, Movies
I hope you and yours have a fantastic week.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
A Matter of Courtesy
Picture this:
Your favorite radio station is giving away a CD that you want. You’re the correct caller and the DJ (announcer?) tells you you’ve won. You say, “Wow! Really? That’s great!”
Stop.
What’s the next thing you say?
I listen to a country music station that’s broadcast from the Mainland and they have contests every Thursday and most weekends. I hear a lot of calls, received from cities and towns all over this nation, where people have just been told that someone is going to give them something. And only one out of every twenty or thirty says what I consider the natural, logical next thing: Thanks.
I’m going to refrain on posing this as a commentary on our modern, materialistic, “I deserve this” society.
Or maybe I’m not…
Your favorite radio station is giving away a CD that you want. You’re the correct caller and the DJ (announcer?) tells you you’ve won. You say, “Wow! Really? That’s great!”
Stop.
What’s the next thing you say?
I listen to a country music station that’s broadcast from the Mainland and they have contests every Thursday and most weekends. I hear a lot of calls, received from cities and towns all over this nation, where people have just been told that someone is going to give them something. And only one out of every twenty or thirty says what I consider the natural, logical next thing: Thanks.
I’m going to refrain on posing this as a commentary on our modern, materialistic, “I deserve this” society.
Or maybe I’m not…
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Earthquake
My house is fine. Mom's house is fine.
My cats are fine. Mom's cats are fine.
Mom is fine.
I am fine, except that I got the flu beginning Sunday night -- most of this week is just a hazy blur (yes, that fuzzy).
If you called to check on me, thanks! and I'm sorry I haven't called back.
Today I officially began freaking out about the fact that I leave next week. Losing a week can really mess up a girl's schedule...
My cats are fine. Mom's cats are fine.
Mom is fine.
I am fine, except that I got the flu beginning Sunday night -- most of this week is just a hazy blur (yes, that fuzzy).
If you called to check on me, thanks! and I'm sorry I haven't called back.
Today I officially began freaking out about the fact that I leave next week. Losing a week can really mess up a girl's schedule...
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
My Itinerary
A stipulation of my contract is that I attend a distance learning conference. The one that I've chosen is in Portland, Oregon at the beginning of November.
If you think I'm going all the way to the mainland for a conference and then turning around and coming straight home, we obviously haven't met -- Hi, I'm Amy and I'm not crazy about flying. Yes, I do live in the middle of the Pacific, in the most isolated place on the planet, but let's set that conundrum aside for a moment....
So, in an attempt to get as much out of this opportunity as possible, my schedule is thus:
Leave Hilo on Friday, October 27.
Spend an hour in Honolulu racing from the inter-island terminal to the mainland terminal. I hope they can check my luggage through from Hilo directly to Seattle. I really hope they don't lose my luggage between Hilo and Seattle.
Arrive Seattle 10 pm.
Pray that I can recognize my own brother, whom I've not seen in more than 12 years. Now you know why I'm going through Seattle -- my stepmother, her parents, my stepbrother, his wife and their two children. Lots of family I either haven't seen in almost a teenager's lifetime or have never met.
Drive from Seattle to Portland on Wednesday, November 1.
Wish me luck -- it will be the longest I've driven in many years.
Attend WCET conference on November 2, 3, and 4.
In the evenings, expend all my willpower on not buying too much at Powells Books.
Arrive in LA around 6 pm on Saturday, November 4.
Take shuttle to hotel, check in super-quick, then walk (calmly, don't run!) around the corner and down the street and eat dinner somewhere cool 'cause I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!! I am spending 4+ days at the House of The Mouse. I get to see Skellington Jack at the Haunted Mansion, the new Pirates of the Caribbean with Cap'n Jack Sparrow, Monsters Inc. at California Adventure -- I could go on and on and on... And maybe, if I'm very, very lucky, I just might get to see the Christmas decorations, too. It's going to be super-weird being at Disney a) without Mom and b) alone, but I'll try to enjoy myself nevertheless.
Leave LA on Thursday, November 9.
A late afternoon departure means I get to spend about half a day in the park! Arrive in Honolulu around 9pm and fall into bed at Mom's.
Attend the HLA Conference in Waikiki on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11. If it wasn't for the buffet dinner and presentation by Kumu John Lake, I'd see if N and S were free for dinner. Raincheck, ladies?
On Saturday evening, I finally fly back home to Hilo, two weeks and one day after I leave. While it would be nice to laze about and reaquaint myself with my babies, alas, I must away to work on Sunday (although not until 2pm, thank heavens).
Fear not for my kitties -- their grandmother has enough vacation time to be able to hide out at my place and be their servant.
Okay, time to start on the packing list:
winter coat
scarf
hat
gloves
heavy socks
boots
sweat pants
sweatshirt
....
If you think I'm going all the way to the mainland for a conference and then turning around and coming straight home, we obviously haven't met -- Hi, I'm Amy and I'm not crazy about flying. Yes, I do live in the middle of the Pacific, in the most isolated place on the planet, but let's set that conundrum aside for a moment....
So, in an attempt to get as much out of this opportunity as possible, my schedule is thus:
Leave Hilo on Friday, October 27.
Spend an hour in Honolulu racing from the inter-island terminal to the mainland terminal. I hope they can check my luggage through from Hilo directly to Seattle. I really hope they don't lose my luggage between Hilo and Seattle.
Arrive Seattle 10 pm.
Pray that I can recognize my own brother, whom I've not seen in more than 12 years. Now you know why I'm going through Seattle -- my stepmother, her parents, my stepbrother, his wife and their two children. Lots of family I either haven't seen in almost a teenager's lifetime or have never met.
Drive from Seattle to Portland on Wednesday, November 1.
Wish me luck -- it will be the longest I've driven in many years.
Attend WCET conference on November 2, 3, and 4.
In the evenings, expend all my willpower on not buying too much at Powells Books.
Arrive in LA around 6 pm on Saturday, November 4.
Take shuttle to hotel, check in super-quick, then walk (calmly, don't run!) around the corner and down the street and eat dinner somewhere cool 'cause I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!! I am spending 4+ days at the House of The Mouse. I get to see Skellington Jack at the Haunted Mansion, the new Pirates of the Caribbean with Cap'n Jack Sparrow, Monsters Inc. at California Adventure -- I could go on and on and on... And maybe, if I'm very, very lucky, I just might get to see the Christmas decorations, too. It's going to be super-weird being at Disney a) without Mom and b) alone, but I'll try to enjoy myself nevertheless.
Leave LA on Thursday, November 9.
A late afternoon departure means I get to spend about half a day in the park! Arrive in Honolulu around 9pm and fall into bed at Mom's.
Attend the HLA Conference in Waikiki on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11. If it wasn't for the buffet dinner and presentation by Kumu John Lake, I'd see if N and S were free for dinner. Raincheck, ladies?
On Saturday evening, I finally fly back home to Hilo, two weeks and one day after I leave. While it would be nice to laze about and reaquaint myself with my babies, alas, I must away to work on Sunday (although not until 2pm, thank heavens).
Fear not for my kitties -- their grandmother has enough vacation time to be able to hide out at my place and be their servant.
Okay, time to start on the packing list:
winter coat
scarf
hat
gloves
heavy socks
boots
sweat pants
sweatshirt
....
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
House Anniversary
Last year, I promised pictures of the outside of my house. Unfortunately, the images are sitting in my camera, which has no way to connect to the computer because I left the cable at home. For the third time this week.
Why yes, I am still experiencing massive amounts of chaos.
So, I will just say that I still love my wonderful house, even more so since Mom and I rearranged almost all the furniture last month. I'm more organized (not completely organized, but there's hope) and it feels better.
Here's to many more years...
Why yes, I am still experiencing massive amounts of chaos.
So, I will just say that I still love my wonderful house, even more so since Mom and I rearranged almost all the furniture last month. I'm more organized (not completely organized, but there's hope) and it feels better.
Here's to many more years...
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